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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/15/1994 - SpecialI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of March 15, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on March 29, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 1st day of April, 1994. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MICROFILMED MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Special Council Meeting Bayfront Convention Center Auditorium 1901 N. Shoreline March 15, 1994 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem McNichols Council Members: Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Clif Moss David Noyola ABSENT Jack Best Melody Cooper City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order at the Bayfront Convention Center Auditorium. Mayor Rhodes outlined the agenda of the night's meeting. She expressed appreciation to the staff of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission for their presence and explained the procedures by which citizens could address the Council and obtain answers to written inquiries. ************ Mayor Rhodes introduced Mr. Hugo Berlanga, State Representative, present at the meeting. Mr. Berlanga expressed appreciation to the governmental entities and the citizens present. He commented favorably on the development of a buffer zone surrounding the local refineries and unfavorably on the low citizen participation in the recent survey conducted by the Texas Department of Health. He stressed the importance of the Port Industry to the community and requested cooperation from all parties for obtainment of a resolution. He expressed concern that Amerada Hess was unwilling to continue participation in the current negotiations concerning the issue. Special Co dl Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 2 Next, Mayor Rhodes introduced Mr. Vic Hines, representative of Senator Carlos Truan. Mr. Hines expressed Senator Truan's regret for not being able to attend the meeting. Speaking on behalf of Senator Truan, Mr. Hines stressed the importance of the petrochemical industry to the community as well as the growth of the refineries. He also stated that industrial accidents would continue to occur exposing local residents to dangers and exposing refineries to liabilities. He further commented favorably on the creation of a buffer zone through the refineries' purchase of the surrounding properties. He lastly stated that the City may have a role in relocating citizens, but by no means, should the relocation be the sole responsibility of the City. Mayor Rhodes invited Chairman John Hall and staff to proceed with the presentation by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). Mr. Hall expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share some facts and findings concerning the industrial complex. He stated that these involved reports on air, groundwater, soil, and subsequent steps for correction. He also discussed the groundwater contamination existing in the Oak Park neighborhood and the enforcement actions initiated by the TNRCC consistent with the regulations and laws. Mr. Hall discussed decreased property tax evaluations in the Oak Park neighborhood and the request to TNRCC to persuade the purchase of the surrounding properties by the local industries. He stated that TNRCC did not possess the authority to force a company to purchase contaminated properties outright or as a part of assessed penalties. He further stated that TNRCC was limited to the identification of pollution and determination of the source. He also stated that TNRCC possessed the authority to assure appropriate clean-up of pollutants in order to protect human health and the environment. He also stated that the TNRCC assessed financial penalties consistent with State law and takes every reasonable and prudent step to cause a proper resolution. Mr. Hall proceeded to discuss past meetings concerning a limited buyout by the local refineries for the establishment of a buffer zone, particularly in the Oak Park area. He stated that a plan could not be developed to which all companies agreed and discussed the offers made by specific refineries. He commended CITGO Refining, OxyChem, Southwestern Refining, and Coastal Refining and Marketing for their initiatives. He stated that a successful resolution would require the participation of additional companies, particularly Amerada Hess. He expressed concern about the groundwater contamination issue and air emissions from the industrial facilities. He also discussed nonattainment air quality communities in other Texas cities and stressed the importance of a clean environment. Next, Mr. Hall introduced Mr. Ken Ramirez, Deputy Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Services of the TNRCC, who would discuss the enforcement actions pending before the TNRCC. Special Co. „il Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 3 Mr. Ramirez briefly outlined TNRCC's procedures concerning contaminations. He next referred to the current and potential enforcement actions with Amerada Hess, Koch Refining, Coastal Refining and Marketing, OxyChem, Southwestern Refining, and CITGO Refining. Further, Mr. Ramirez recognized TNRCC's staff present at the day's meeting who would address the actual environmental monitoring programs currently in progress in the community as follows: Mr. Buddy Stanley, Regional Manager of the TNRCC, Mr. Russell Lewis, Waste Program Manager of TNRCC, Mr. Charlie Speakerman, Air Program Manager of TNRCC, and Ms. Maria Aponte -Pons, Toxicologist with Health Effects Division. He also recognized Ms. Judy Henry, Director of the Health Studies Program in the Bureau of Epidemiology at the Texas Department of Health (TDH), who would speak at the day's meeting. Mr. Stanley discussed the testing performed on soil samples acquired from the residential areas immediately adjacent to the refineries. He stated that no major problems were found and discussed an area in Dona Park which warranted further investigation concerning the levels of lead. Mr. Lewis presented a map depicting the areas in the community possessing petroleum products in the groundwater. He discussed the common factors among the contaminated areas and stated that to date the Oak Park area was the only neighborhood determined to possess petroleum products under residential homes. Mr. Hall gave a brief summary of the facts presented by Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Stanley, and Mr. Lewis. Mr. Speakerman discussed the different types of air monitoring systems and displayed a map depicting the locations of the local systems. He further discussed the results and corrections of the problems found in the areas near the industrial complex. Ms. Aponte -Pons discussed the guidelines utilized by TNRCC to evaluate the air toxicity and soil data pertaining to the Corpus Christi industrial area. She also pointed out the locations and dates of the testings. Lastly, Ms. Aponte -Pons introduced Mr. Alberto Tohme to present the review of the data. Mr. Tohme discussed the chemicals detected by the air and soil monitoring pointing out specific concerns about benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide. He explained that further investigation would be necessary. Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation by the Texas Department of Health. Ms. Henry spoke of Ms. Betty Atkins' inability to attend the meeting and stated that she would present the information in Ms. Atkins' place. Ms. Henry expressed appreciation to the entities and citizens present at the meeting and introduced Dr. Richard Bocamp, Medical Consultant, Mr. Barry Wilson, Cancer Registry Division, and Ms. Kathryn Evans, Health Assessment Program. Further, Ms. Henry stated that each individual would be available for questioning after the program. Next, Ms. Henry outlined Special Co. „AI Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 4 the questions and answers from the mail survey conducted in the Oak Park neighborhood. Lastly, Ms. Henry displayed slides pertaining to a future health assessment performed by the TDH in the industrial park area. She discussed various areas in which the TDH would be available for assistance. In summation, Mr. Hall referred to future investigations of air and soil in the community and stated that the level of air pollution in the Corpus Christi area was below the established health based standards. He further stated that the groundwater contamination in the Oak Park homes was thirty feet below the surface and did not pose an immediate threat to the residents. Mr. Hall reiterated that there was no contamination of the drinking water in the community due to the industrial complex and stated that overall the citizens were not at a risk because of the industrial complex. He also stated that the TNRCC was advancing towards an appropriate cleanup of the present contaminated areas for compliance with Federal and State laws and the creation of some type of buffer zone immediate to the facilities, particularly in the Oak Park neighborhood. Council Member Galindo inquired about the particular boundaries of the Oak Park neighborhood which TNRCC would focus on. Mr. Hall replied that the boundaries would be the north side of Interstate 37 which includes approximately 300 homes. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. David Neideffi, General Manager of Plant and Field Service Corporation, general contractors for local refineries, discussed his company's recent move to the City which provided employment for 150 people. He stated that the City was attractive to his company because of the commitment to safety and stressed the importance of safety to his company. Mr. Dan Regouby, 1542 Melbourne, employed by a contractor working at the local refineries, commented on his contributions to the City through his employment. He expressed concern that expansions at the local refineries had been halted which would have detrimental effects on his life and family. Mr. Roy F. Nicholson Jr., 1213 Cenizo Avenue (Oak Park), requested responsible parties to visit his neighborhood which is entitled "Bermuda Triangle" by the residents. He stated that a large majority of the residents did not speak English and was unable to respond to the recent surveys. Mr. Mike Guillory, 5301 Javelina, Safety Manager at CITGO, stated that CITGO had been recognized by the National Petroleum Refineries Association and American Petroleum Institute as one of the best safety performers in multi -refinery corporations in the United States. He also reviewed the safety awards received by the local refinery. He further stated that according to statistics of the National Safety Council a person was safer at a refinery than driving to work, living in their home, or on a vacation. He stressed the importance of continued team work between the industries and the community. Special Co. al Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 5 Mr. Dick Myers, 400 Mann St., Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Business Round Table, explained that the objectives of his company includes promoting safety, quality, and productivity in the work place. He commented highly on the commitment to these standards in the local industries and the devotion to health, safety, and environment. Lastly, he stressed the importance of the local industry to the City's economy. Mr. Troy Smith, Safety Manager with H B Zachry Company at CITGO Refinery, P.O. Box 9516, stated that the personnel at the local refineries were committed to safety and requested all parties to work together for the good of the community. Mr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., Vice President and Fire Chief at the Refinery Terminal Company, 12050 UpRiver Road, stated that his company provides firefighting and emergency response services to the Port and local industrial corporations. He stressed his company's commitment to safety and rapid emergency response and discussed the local industries' commitment to safety of their employees and the community. Mr. Bob Cuvelier, Chairman of the ABC Merit Training Program Board of Directors, 13656 Teague #29, discussed the high attendance record of the training programs by the local industries which displays their commitment to safety. He stressed the importance of the local industries to the local economy and requested all parties to work together. Mr. Jimmy Gilbert, 3930 Wickersham, Vice President of Bay Incorporated, stated that the local industries place a large emphasis on work place safety and operational excellence. He also spoke highly of the safety training provided at the refineries and expressed concern that placing unreasonable demands on the local industrial community would cause loss of local employment. Mr. Michael Eggenberger, 914 St. Christopher, Bay Incorporated, commented on the high standards of safety in the local refineries. He also discussed past detrimental experiences his family encountered when strict regulations were placed on industry in the State of Michigan. Mr. Kevan Klubertanz, 766 W. Cornelia, Superintendent of Berry Fabricators, stated that safety and employee health is the number one concern He further stated that additional regulations on the refineries would have a damaging effect on their existence. Mr. Roland Reyes, 4021 Wood River, Financial Accounting Supervisor at CITGO, provided financial facts highlighting the economic impact of CITGO on the community. Mr. Douglas Lanier, 15258 Main Royal, Chairman of the Industrial Contractors Council, commented highly on the safety aspects of the refineries and the contributions to the community made by the refineries. Mr. Robert Broadway, 100 Cox Drive, employee at Valero Refinery, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Special Co. .;il Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 6 Mr. David Savage, 222 Doddridge, area manager for Nalco Chemical Company and past employee of the Texas Water Commission, stated that the facts presented in the previous presentations did not establish a real health problem thereby justifying the refineries creating a buffer zone at their own expense. Mr. Lee Brandon, 3025 Quail Springs, M-2, Operations Reliability Engineer for CITGO, discussed his ancestor's association with refinery companies and stated that there have been no injuries or fatalities of any nature during this time. Mr. Patrick Ley, 402 Cecil, President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Texas Coastal Bend Chapter, discussed the high level of safety in the refineries. Mr. Wayne Serpa, 301 Cole Street, suggested the concerned parties visit with the refineries for a resolution. Mr. Christoper L. Nelson, United Way of the Coastal Bend, 2902 Leopard, commented favorably on the benefits derived from the presence of the local refineries. Mr. Phil Vrazel, 6617 Whitewing, Manager of Environmental Affairs at CITGO, stated that CITGO was committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner which meets and improves emission rights, promoting environmental training, and providing the necessary resources to heighten environmental awareness. He also discussed the monitoring tests regularly performed at CITGO. Mr. Jimmie Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, stated that he resides near CITGO and was not afraid of the activities at CITGO and, further, felt safe in his environment. He stated that CITGO is a good neighbor and that he supported the continuance of the local refineries. Mr. Robert Parker, P.O. Box 9609, Chairman of the Contractor Safety Council at REPCON INC., discussed the high level of training provided by his company to the local refineries. He stated that safety for their employees and the community was a high priority. Ms. Diane Bennett, 2225 Turnberry, League City, Texas 77573, District Sales Manager for Nalco Chemical Company, stressed the importance of the local refineries to the community. She commended the City for being an air quality community, as referenced by Mr. John Hall in his presentation, and congratulated the local refineries for continuing to meet high standards. She also stated that, when comparing the local safety rules to other cities, the City possesses the most stringent. Mr. Robert Colemen, 1906 Oak Ridge, Industrial Maintenance Contractor, stated that the job safety programs, environmental concerns, and quality of work at the refineries in the City is the best and most thorough of any location in the United States. Special Co. -il Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 7 Ms. Jean Lavota, 929 Idlewilde, stated that she resides near the refineries and understands the importance of the refineries to the economy of the community. She also stressed the importance of providing a clean environment the people residing near the refineries as well. Mr. Len Lee, PSM Trainer at Coastal Refinery, Rockport, Texas, discussed the large amount of safety training and practices at the local refineries. Mr. Gerald Bracco, 4710 Oso Parkway, Bracco Construction Company, suggested an amicable resolution of the issue between the local refineries and the community. Mr. Olan Collins, 3213 Harpers Ferry Street, Manager of Regional Construction Company, stressed the importance of the local refineries to the community. Reverence Roy Melveaux, 1801 Van Loan, discussed problems he had with the recent tests performed and expressed concern that the citizens supporting the local refineries would risk the life of a child to make a dollar. Mr. James M. Curran, 425 Wilma, discussed the excellent safety programs and practices at the local refineries. He also stated that he understands the concerns of the citizens and commented favorably on a resolution benefitting all parties. Mr. Stephen Hodges, 513 Del Mar, discussed the high level of focus and commitment by the local refineries to safe operations and the environment. He suggested that the citizens and refineries work together for proper long term results in lieu of litigation. Mr. Clinton Schulz, 4217 Peach Creek, discussed his family's exposure to gas pipelines near his residence and his employment in the channel industries. He then stated that he was confident of the overall level of safety of the local industry. Mr. Roy Weaver, 642 Cantwell, stated that he did not have a problem with the refineries. Mr. Adolph Lechtenberger, Plant Manager of CITGO, stressed the importance of CITGO to the community and the importance of safety at CITGO. Mr. Ralph Horton, Process Safety Department Manager at Coastal Refinery, 419 San Saba, Betland, Texas, reviewed the extensive safety program at Coastal and stated that, in his opinion, the plants were safe. Mr. Jim Tansey, 3417 Tahiti, CITGO employee, referred to the excellent safety record of CITGO and discussed the importance of CITGO to the employees as well as the community. Special Co.. it Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 8 Mr. Lloyd Stone, Environmental Supervisor at Coastal Refining, 6350 Meadow Vista, stated that complying with the environmental regulations was becoming more difficult and that Coastal understood the importance of the environment. Ms. Joan McKaughan, P.O. Box 9176, CITGO Refinery, discussed her past and ongoing employment at CITGO and stated that the CITGO employees were committed to the community, environment, and safety. She referred to her unborn child and stated that she placed trust in her fellow employees and employer. Mr. Steven M. Fischer, 2410 Scotch Moss Drive, discussed the current activities at the refineries to ensure safe operations. Ms. Carol Austin, P.O. Box 271417, employee of CITGO, stated that she was proud to be a CITGO employee and that safety is the number one priority at the plant. Mr. David H. Dear, 15302 Key Largo, stated that he resides near the local refineries and that his children were not affected by pollution from the refineries. He also stated that his employment allowed his children to excel at college and life in general. Mr. Val DeLeon, 7118 Crested Butte, Safety Supervisor for Coastal Refining, discussed Coastal's outstanding safety record. Mr. Bill Peeples, 413 N. Tancahua, resides near the refineries and commented on his good health. He also commented unfavorably on the legal system trying to make money on lawsuits against the refineries. Mr. Carlos E. Martinez, 4110 Bray, employee at Coastal Refining, commented on the safety programs and practices at Coastal. Mr. Danny Kucera, 356 Merrill, Electrical Shop Foreman at Valero Refining, stated that he was not worried about the proposed health hazards in the local refinery area and stated that the risks at the refineries were no greater than traveling in automobiles or airplanes. Mr. George Moser, 26 Colony, Robstown, Texas 78380, commented on the high standards of safety at the refineries and suggested an amicable solution. Mr. Bal K. Sareen, Flato Road, discussed his employer's dependency on the local petrochemical industry in the City and the high safety standards of CITGO and Coastal. Mr. Pablo Garza, Jr., 3509 Pecan, Safety Specialist at Southwestern Refining, reviewed the safety programs and practices at Southwestern Refining. Mr. Bill Norris, Safety Supervisor for Javelina Company and Fire Chief for the Annaville Fire Department, commented highly on the safety practices at Javelina. Special Co..cil Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 9 Mr. Jerry Singletary, employee of Javelina Company, 5115 UpRiver Road Lot 50, stated that the oil and chemical industrial area was a safe place to work and live and that the elected officials, residents, and industry must work together for the common good of the community. Mr. Marty Berry, 601 Louisiana, stated that the local refineries were safe. Mr. Ronnie Gerone, 14725 Prairie Creek Drive, contract engineer employed by Southwestern Refining, discussed safety projects at Southwestern Refining. He requested an amicable solution. Mr. Ernest Carter, 1711 Stillman, stated that the citizens residing near the refineries were not trying to close the refineries and commented unfavorably on a buffer zone. He referred to the increasing number of explosions at the plants and stated that the citizens were only interested in relocation. Mr. Harold Moore, 502 Belleview Drive, President of the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, discussed his involvement in the development of the day's meeting and his discussions with Mr. Speakerman concerning relocation of several of the monitors. He suggested that all parties work together for the good of the community. Mr. Norman Renfro, 601 Sorrell, Manager of Environmental and Safety Affairs for Valero Refining, stated that Valero operated under the permits issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. He briefly discussed some of the permits and machinery voluntarily installed by Valero to promote a safe environment. He invited all interested parties to visit the plant. Ms. Gwynell Westervelt, 8149 Barrogate, stated that she resides near Koch Refining and also works there. She pointed out that she has a normal healthy baby. Mr. Ed Loosemore, 1229 Stratton, Safety Superintendent for Valero Refining, stated that Valero strives to obtain the highest safety standards for employees as well as its neighbors. Mr. Mike Gollihar, 1402 Tancahua, stated that the future of the community was dependent on the future of the refineries and commented favorably on an amiable resolution. Ms. Clodine M. Salinas, 246 Leming No. 5, employee of Southwestern Refining, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Mr. John S. Arnold, Sr., employee of CITGO, 3565 N. Naylor Circle, expressed appreciation to the Council for the opportunity to speak. He commented highly on the safety procedures and practices at CITGO. Special Co. .:il Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 10 Mr. Jose Moncada, 4421 Driftwood, stated that the air was not polluted by the refineries. He also referred to the extensive care the refineries followed for the safety of the community. Mr. Raymond Frank, 4221 Riverhill Drive, suggested that the citizens and the refineries work together as a team. Mr. Chris Willman, 6633 Bent Trail, reviewed the findings of the TDH and TNRCC revealed at the day's meeting and expressed concern that the current tests being performed were long overdue. Mr. Donald Lewis, employee of Valero Refining and representative of Texas Society of Professional Engineers, 7714 Moritz Lake Drive, commented highly on the outstanding engineering services at Valero. Mr. Ray Garcia, Rt. 1, Box 67-D, Robstown, Texas, President of the Union at Southwestern Refining, discussed the safety procedures of the company. Ms. Teddy Murchie, 1102 Vernon Drive, stated that she was not against the refineries and inquired about the lead found in the Dona Park area. She also requested the drilling of a well at the tank farm owned by Coastal Refining to test the drinking water. She further stated that many residents living in the Dona Park area possessed health problems believed attributable to the environment. In response, Mayor Rhodes stated that Mr. Hall indicated that more testing would be performed on the lead content. Ms. Jeannine Foster, 1118 Vernon, referred to the recent accident at Coastal Refining and expressed concern about the present system to warn local residents of an accident. She suggested that the refineries possessing inadequate warning systems contact Javelina Refining so that Javelina could warn the citizens properly when there was an accident. Further, she suggested requiring all refineries to posses adequate warning systems and also expressed concern about the lead found in the Dona Park area. Lastly, she expressed concern that the people from the refineries were dominating the meeting which was initially scheduled for the concerned citizens residing in the industrial complex area. In response, Mayor Rhodes stated that the meeting was open to all citizens. Mr. Vann Stanford, 1404 Moore Avenue 1506, Portland, Texas, discussed his involvement with the refineries and commented unfavorably on a buffer zone. Mr. Jack Bell, 3605 San Blas, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Special Co, zil Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 11 Mr. Bob Collier, 1150 Southern Minerals Road, commented favorably on the local refineries. Ms. Gilna Nance, 3154 Reid Drive, Executive Director of Volunteer Center, commented on Valero's contributions to the volunteer centers in the community. Mr. Guy Nickleson, 7949 Grizzley, member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, commented on working together for the good of the community. Mr. Sidney Beauford, P.O. Box 146, Odem, Texas 78370, Environmental Laboratory Technician, stated that Southwestern Refining and Kerr-McGee were committed to being good environmental neighbors. He suggested better communications between the refineries and the citizens. Dr. Burk Strong, 340 Cape May, commented unfavorably on lawsuit abuse and stated that the refineries were good neighbors. Mr. Peter Staneland, Maintenance Supervisor at Southwestern Refining, stated that the employees at the refineries were subject to random drug testing on an annual basis. Mrs. Jo Staneland commented unfavorably on the number of lawsuits concerning the refineries. Mr. George Collins, 4937 Andover, expressed appreciation for the meeting and presentations and stated that he feels safe living in the City and working in the refineries. Mr. John Davidson, P.O. Box 4639, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Ms. Yvonee Holmes, employee at CITGO, commented highly on the safety of the refineries. Mr. Ray French, Rt. 1, Box 65, Taft, Texas, employee of Southwestern Refining, commented highly on the safety training at Southwestern. Mr. James H. Scott, representative of Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, discussed the committee's objectives and suggested good faith negotiations in lieu of lawsuits. Mr. Herbert Power, 4585 River Park Drive, commented on the safety at the refineries and stated that the refineries greatly enhanced the community. Mr. Bill Hough, 341 Westchester Drive, representative of several companies serving the local refineries, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Special a icil Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 12 Mr. Mike Quintanilla Jr., 1501 Seville, employee of H. G. Zachry at CITGO, commented on the generous contributions made to the community by employees of the refineries. Mr. Mike Carrell, 4966 Cherry Hills Drive, Chairman of the Corpus Christi Bay Area Economic Development Corporation, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Ms. Johnnie M. Norman, 400 Mann Street, Suite 709, Amtex Security, commented highly on the continued safety orientation and training of Coastal Refining. Mr. Robert Martinez, P.O. Box 191, Edroy, Texas 78352, employee of H & S Construction at CITGO Refining, stated that safety was considered of utmost importance at CITGO. Mr. Walter Bryan, 1717 Lexington Avenue, stressed the importance of proper communication with the residents. Mr. John Warner, 5825 Cain Drive, expressed appreciation for the information presented at the day's meeting and discussed the extensive training at the refinery. He stated that he looks forward to working together for a resolution. Ms. Debbi Seeger, 14918 Tesoro, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Mr. Bryon Wooldridge, 6705 Deerwood, Maintenance Superintendent at Javelina, requested the concerned citizens to contact the refineries for information instead of contacting a lawyer. Ms. Tina Gatewood, employee of Valero Refining, discussed the safety precautions at Valero. Mr. Ken Luhan, 15258 Main Royal, President of Bay Incorporated, commented highly on the facts presented at the day's meeting and the efforts by the industries to provide a safe environment. Mr. Sam Beecroft, 615 S. Broadway, member of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, commented unfavorably on the lawsuits against the refineries and favorably on amicable negotiations. Mr. Robert S. Shake, 2814 Parkgreen Drive, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union No. 278, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Mr. Mark R. Elps, 126 Ruth, Valero Refining, commented favorably on the local refineries and amiable negotiations. Special C. .icil Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 13 Ms. Lydia Lopez, 3221 Ebony, expressed concern about the unexpected explosions at the refineries endangering the lives of the residents in close proximity. Mr. Glen Elps, 13132 Oglethorp, employee of CITGO, stated that he grew up in the Oak Park area without experiencing any detrimental effects. Mr. Henry Jo, employee of Valero Refining, stated that safety and environmental concerns as well as compliance with all laws and regulations was of great consideration in all projects at Valero. Mr. John Van Meter, 719 Lantana, stated that he was comfortable living and working in the industrial area of the City. Ms. Yolanda Santos, 5810 Mason, expressed concern that the City of Corpus Christi had issued permits for homes to be built in close proximity to the Valero Refining Company. Mr. Billy Beard stressed the importance of the refineries to the community. Ms. Rosa Flores, 5837 Llano, expressed concern about the devaluation of her home and property since it was located near the refineries and the pipelines installed after she purchased the property. Mr. Manuel Flores, 5837 Llano, referred to a young child and an adult who are presently sick due to residing in the refinery area. He also commented on the creation of a buffer zone and the large number of people it would involve. Mr. Clovis A. Johnson, 5421 Eden Lane, expressed concern that the refineries were located in and near residential areas. Mr. Mark Goodman, 545 Poenisch, employee of CITGO, stated that CITGO was committed to safety. Mr. Gilbert Casares, 7418 Spitfire, Chairman of the American GI Forum through the Hector P. Garcia Chapter, referred to a letter distributed to the Council from the Forum concerning an appeal on behalf of the residents of the Coastal Bend affected by hazardous release chemicals. Mr. Dale Switalla, 2818 Hulbirt Street, expressed concern about the air pollution near the refineries in association with the property devaluation. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the Council. Mayor Rhodes and Council Member Longoria expressed appreciation to the TNRCC and staff for their participation in the meeting. Further, Mrs. Longoria requested that the Council be kept informed of future activities concerning the continued testing. Special C. ,icil Meeting March 15, 1994 Page 14 Mrs. Longoria also reiterated that her district was most affected and that she would continue to work for some type of buyout and the creation of a buffer zone. She also requested the cooperation of Amerada Hess and expressed concerns about the Dona Park, Oak Park, and Hillcrest areas. Mayor Rhodes referred to a committee investigating the issues which would promote working together for a resolution. Council Member Martin discussed community planning efforts leading to a long term resolution. Council Member Noyola suggested utilizing Community Development Block Grant funds and a portion of the revenues from the Industrial District for the creation of a buffer zone. He also suggested all parties working together for a resolution and commented favorably on relocation of the residents near the refineries. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. on March 15, 1994.